EIT Food is on a mission to transform Europe’s food system – making it better for people and the planet. Working with entrepreneurs, innovators and the wider community, EIT Food is changing the way we produce, process, distribute and consume food.

RIS Innovation Prizes is one of the largest startup competitions in the agrifood vertical in Southern and Eastern Europe. Prizes are awarded to entrepreneurs and early stage startups to support the development of new products and services which can help transform our food system, making it healthier, more sustainable and more trusted.

This year, Innovation Prizes are open to early stage entrepreneurs and startups from 17 countries in Southern and Eastern Europe.

The prizes will be distributed at 17 onlineregional finals with the three best startups taking €1,000, €3,000 and €5,000 in each final. In addition to the cash prizes, participating startups will benefit from high-quality training and expert feedback.

17 regional Demo Day finals will be held online between June and July 2020 (exact dates to be soon announced by EIT Food).

Bootcamp training for 1st prize winners of the 17 regional Demo Days – October 2020.

Grand Finale for 1st prize winners – October 2020.

Please refer to the competition Terms and Conditions for full details about the competition process and eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions:

We strongly recommend that you read the full Terms and Conditions to understand the rules of the Innovation Prizes competition; however, a few simple Q and As are below.

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Q: How will the COVID-19 pandemic influence the competition?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020 some the Innovation Prize finals will take place online.

Q: What stage of idea/startups is this competition for?

A: There is no exact formula for this. However, startups should note that this programme is aimed at early stage entrepreneurs and startups. If you have raised large amounts of investment (i.e. more than €100,000) or have large revenue streams (i.e. more than €50,000), this Prize is probably not for you. In fact, one of the criteria that your application will be judged upon is whether the Innovation Prize will be ‘catalytic’ in your startup’s success. If you wish to discuss the individual situation of your startup, please contact us.

Q: Do I have to have an incorporated startup to apply for this competition?

A: No, you do not have to be incorporated to apply for the Innovation Prizes. We accept applications both from registered companies and entrepreneurs/teams who haven’t yet oficially registered their startup.

Q: What is RIS?

A: RIS stands for Regional Innovation Scheme, which is a special funding scheme to support entrepreneurs and startups located in Eastern and Southern Europe. It is only available for residents and/or citizens of one of the following countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Portugal, Spain, Turkey. Please note that only certain regions of Italy, Poland and Spain are eligible for this program (see the details in Terms and Conditions). With any questions about ineligible regions please email at yulia.bodnar@eitfood.eu.

Q: I applied and became a finalist of the EIT Food RIS Innovation Prizes in 2018 or 2019. Can I still apply for the Innovation Prizes?

A: Yes, you can! However, winners of 2018 and 2019 editions of RIS Innovation Prizes will be considered ineligible (please read the complete eligibility criteria in the Terms and Conditions).

Q: When and where will the regional Demo Days happen?

A: The dates of the 17 regional Demo Days will soon be announced by EIT Food. All regional Demo Days will take place online.

Q: Do I have to take part in the Demo Day?

A: Yes, you do. A minimum of one member of your team must participate in the online Demo Day and accompanying training. However, the more, the merrier!

Q: What does the training that accompanies the Demo Day consist of?

A: The training will be tailored to the needs of the startups participating. However, likely topics include pitch training, building strong relationships with investors, effective communication, funding sources and marketing.

Application period

Application deadline and assessment

Finalist demo event online

Find out how EIT Food Hub can help you!

EIT Food Co-Location Centre North-East was established in Warsaw in 2017. Together with our partners from Denmark, Finland and Poland we work towards making the food system more resource-efficient, secure, transparent and trusted. Our goal is to boost the skills and entrepreneurial spirit in agri-food sector in order to deliver a healthier lifestyle for all European citizens.